We know it was the practice to give children first and middle names that reflected their ancestry. Often the middle name was the mothers surname or a grandparents surname or the fathers surname if the couple were not married. There is much evidence of this amongst the THOMPSONs for example - Charlotte "Phelps" THOMPSON whose mother was Jane PHELPS. We also have the renowned COOPER - THOMPSONs who appeat to use both surnames. Jospeh COOPER and Mary THOMPSON may never have actually got married. Middle names often give us clues to ancestry and if we are lucky they will reflect the parents or grandparents family names. Martin "Neale" SHIPP may well have had a parent of grandparent from the NEALE family. It cannot yet be ruled out. John "Alway" STINCHCOMBE and Ann "Limbrick" MINETT are classic examples of middle names denoting ancestry. I always explore the middle name connections as one enver knows what will be uncovered and often the middle name research can blast holes through previously solid brick walls. Good luck Geoffro The Pond Dipper whose geography may not be that good but who never forgets a dead persons name - (but don't ask when his siblings birthdays are or where they live)